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Hearing this crystal clear explanation of the cryptic shloka, the King was overjoyed. Devarshi Narad then left the money in the King's care, and proceeded on his business.

Hearing this crystal clear explanation of the cryptic shloka, the King was overjoyed. Devarshi Narad then left the money in the King's care, and proceeded on his business.

== Classification of Dana ==

== Types of Dana ==

Dana has been classified in several overlapping ways, depending on one's perspective: <ref name=":0" />  

Dana has been classified in several overlapping ways, depending on one's perspective: <ref name=":0" />  

[[File:Dana Classification.jpg|613x613px|Source : Daan and Other Giving Traditions in India By Sanjay Agarwal (Page 22)|centre]]

[[File:Dana Classification.jpg|613x613px|Source : Daan and Other Giving Traditions in India By Sanjay Agarwal (Page 22)|centre]]

A simple definition of each kind of Dana is as follows:

A simple definition of each kind of Dana is as follows:

=== Orientation of Dana ===

=== Based on Orientation ===

''Ishtapurta (इष्टापूर्त)'' is a word of high antiquity that deserves consideration in the subject of dana. It occurs in the Rigveda and the sense seems to be 'the cumulative spiritual result of merit due to a man's performance of sacrifices and charitable acts'. The word though employed in the singular consists of two parts, ishta (what is sacrificed) and purta (what is filled).<ref name=":1" />

''Ishtapurta (इष्टापूर्त)'' is a word of high antiquity that deserves consideration in the subject of dana. It occurs in the Rigveda and the sense seems to be 'the cumulative spiritual result of merit due to a man's performance of sacrifices and charitable acts'. The word though employed in the singular consists of two parts, ishta (what is sacrificed) and purta (what is filled).<ref name=":1" />

* Ishta (इष्टा) : Acts which are primarily religious in nature (yajna, homa, tapas, atithi satkar etc) and are turned inwards, are called Ishta. The rewards of such acts are invisible in this life and will be enjoyed in paradise.<ref name=":0" />

* Ishta (इष्टा) : Acts which are primarily religious in nature (yajna, homa, tapas, atithi satkar etc) and are turned inwards, are called Ishta. The rewards of such acts are invisible in this life and will be enjoyed in paradise.<ref name=":0" />

* Purta (पूर्त) : Acts which are primarily charitable in nature (construction of public utilities, ponds, schools, rest houses, gardens, ann-kshetra, etc.) are called purta. The benefits of purta are visible in this life and include attainment of moksha. Charitable trusts are called purta works in texts.<ref name=":0" />

* Purta (पूर्त) : Acts which are primarily charitable in nature (construction of public utilities, ponds, schools, rest houses, gardens, ann-kshetra, etc.) are called purta. The benefits of purta are visible in this life and include attainment of moksha. Charitable trusts are called purta works in texts.<ref name=":0" />

=== Beneficiary of Dana ===

=== Based on Beneficiary ===

* Dana (दानम्) : When the giving results in transfer of property from one person to another, it is treated as dana. In some cases, the transfer might benefit more than one person. However, so long as the number of beneficiaries is fixed, the giving will be considered dana. Additionally, the donor should no longer derive any benefit from the item donated. Some types of giving are not considered dana. These include gifts to people whom one is otherwise required to support. Similarly, mutual exchange of gifts is treated as a cultural practice, but does not qualify as dana.<ref name=":0" />

* Dana (दानम्) : When the giving results in transfer of property from one person to another, it is treated as dana. In some cases, the transfer might benefit more than one person. However, so long as the number of beneficiaries is fixed, the giving will be considered dana. Additionally, the donor should no longer derive any benefit from the item donated. Some types of giving are not considered dana. These include gifts to people whom one is otherwise required to support. Similarly, mutual exchange of gifts is treated as a cultural practice, but does not qualify as dana.<ref name=":0" />

* Utsarga (उत्सर्गः) : If the item or property is dedicated or released for general public use, the giving is treated as utsarga. The property is then owned commonly, and is similar to the concept of common grazing land. In this case, there is no bar on the donor also using the property as a member of the public, without any special privileges.<ref name=":0" />

* Utsarga (उत्सर्गः) : If the item or property is dedicated or released for general public use, the giving is treated as utsarga. The property is then owned commonly, and is similar to the concept of common grazing land. In this case, there is no bar on the donor also using the property as a member of the public, without any special privileges.<ref name=":0" />

=== Nature of Donor (Shraddha) ===

=== Based on the Nature of Dana  ===

According to Shrimad Bhagvad Gita, all dana can be classified into three categories: sattvik (associated with purity and spirituality) rajasik (associated with materialism and worldly affairs) and tamasik (associated with lack of intellect and leads to darkness). Shraddha is also defined in Skanda Purana as follows<blockquote>त्रिविधा भवति श्रद्धा देहिनां सा स्वभावजा॥ सात्त्विकी राजसी चैव तामसी चेति तां श्रृणु॥ ४.४६ ॥  (Skan. Pura. Mahe. Khan. 4.46)<ref name=":2" /></blockquote><blockquote>trividhā bhavati śraddhā dehināṃ sā svabhāvajā॥ sāttvikī rājasī caiva tāmasī ceti tāṃ śrṛṇu॥ 4.46 ॥</blockquote>

According to Shrimad Bhagvad Gita, all dana can be classified into three categories: sattvik (associated with purity and spirituality) rajasik (associated with materialism and worldly affairs) and tamasik (associated with lack of intellect and leads to darkness). Shraddha is also defined in Skanda Purana as follows<blockquote>त्रिविधा भवति श्रद्धा देहिनां सा स्वभावजा॥ सात्त्विकी राजसी चैव तामसी चेति तां श्रृणु॥ ४.४६ ॥  (Skan. Pura. Mahe. Khan. 4.46)<ref name=":2" /></blockquote><blockquote>trividhā bhavati śraddhā dehināṃ sā svabhāvajā॥ sāttvikī rājasī caiva tāmasī ceti tāṃ śrṛṇu॥ 4.46 ॥</blockquote>

* Sattvika Dana (सात्त्विकदानम्) : Sattvik dana is one that is made as a duty. It should be made after considering the time, place and the suitability of the receiver. The receiver should not perform any service or provide any benefit in return (अनुपकारी Anupkar). Swami Ramsukhdas explains that this kind of dana is really tyag, relinquishment, in which nothing is desired in return. This type of dana is not the kind that gives punya (पुण्यम्), merit in return. Seeking such punya will transform the dana into rajasik (राजसिकदानम्).<ref name=":0" />

* Sattvika Dana (सात्त्विकदानम्) : Sattvik dana is one that is made as a duty. It should be made after considering the time, place and the suitability of the receiver. The receiver should not perform any service or provide any benefit in return (अनुपकारी Anupkar). Swami Ramsukhdas explains that this kind of dana is really tyag, relinquishment, in which nothing is desired in return. This type of dana is not the kind that gives punya (पुण्यम्), merit in return. Seeking such punya will transform the dana into rajasik (राजसिकदानम्).<ref name=":0" />

* Tamasik (तामसिकदानम्) : When dana is made to an unsuitable person or without considering time or place, then it is called tamasik dana. If the dana is made without showing proper respect or in an insulting manner, then also it becomes tamasik. Another example of a tamasik dana would be where it is intended to cause bodily harm to another. In such a case, both the donor and the recipient are to be punished as for theft.

* Tamasik (तामसिकदानम्) : When dana is made to an unsuitable person or without considering time or place, then it is called tamasik dana. If the dana is made without showing proper respect or in an insulting manner, then also it becomes tamasik. Another example of a tamasik dana would be where it is intended to cause bodily harm to another. In such a case, both the donor and the recipient are to be punished as for theft.

=== Purpose of Dana ===

=== Based on the Purpose served ===

Based on the purpose of dana as mentioned in several puranas, the classification is as given below<ref name=":0" />:<blockquote>दानं त्रिविधमित्येतत्कनिष्ठज्येष्ठमध्यमम् ।। तत्र नैश्रेयसं ज्येष्ठं कनिष्ठं स्वार्थसिद्धये ।। ३२.५५ ।। कारुण्यात्सर्वभूतेषु संविभागस्तु मध्यमः ।। (Brahmand. Pura. 1.32.55-56)<ref>Brahmanda Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A9%E0%A5%A8 Purva Bhaga Adhyaya 32])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>dānaṁ trividhamityētatkaniṣṭhajyēṣṭhamadhyamam ।। tatra naiśrēyasaṁ jyēṣṭhaṁ kaniṣṭhaṁ svārthasiddhayē ।। 32.55 ।। kāruṇyātsarvabhūtēṣu saṁvibhāgastu madhyamaḥ ।। </blockquote>

Based on the purpose of dana as mentioned in several puranas, the classification is as given below<ref name=":0" />:<blockquote>दानं त्रिविधमित्येतत्कनिष्ठज्येष्ठमध्यमम् ।। तत्र नैश्रेयसं ज्येष्ठं कनिष्ठं स्वार्थसिद्धये ।। ३२.५५ ।। कारुण्यात्सर्वभूतेषु संविभागस्तु मध्यमः ।। (Brahmand. Pura. 1.32.55-56)<ref>Brahmanda Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A9%E0%A5%A8 Purva Bhaga Adhyaya 32])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>dānaṁ trividhamityētatkaniṣṭhajyēṣṭhamadhyamam ।। tatra naiśrēyasaṁ jyēṣṭhaṁ kaniṣṭhaṁ svārthasiddhayē ।। 32.55 ।। kāruṇyātsarvabhūtēṣu saṁvibhāgastu madhyamaḥ ।। </blockquote>

* Jyestha (ज्येष्ठः) : Dana given in order to achieve moksh (nishreyas) is considered the most valuable form.

* Jyestha (ज्येष्ठः) : Dana given in order to achieve moksh (nishreyas) is considered the most valuable form.

* Kanishth (कनिष्ठः) : Dana given to achieve one’s own selfish ends is known as the least valued of all.

* Kanishth (कनिष्ठः) : Dana given to achieve one’s own selfish ends is known as the least valued of all.

=== Objective of Dana ===

=== Based on the Objective for giving ===

Based the objective of making a dana, it is classified into four categories:<blockquote>नित्यं नैमित्तिकं काम्यं त्रिविधं दानमुच्यते । चतुर्थं विमलं प्रोक्तं सर्वदानोत्तमोत्तमम् ।। २६.४ (Kurm. Pura. Uttar. 26.4) <ref>Kurma Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A1%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%BD%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Uttara Bhaga Adhyaya 26])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>nityaṁ naimittikaṁ kāmyaṁ trividhaṁ dānamucyatē । caturthaṁ vimalaṁ prōktaṁ sarvadānōttamōttamam ।। 26.4</blockquote>

Based the objective of making a dana, it is classified into four categories:<blockquote>नित्यं नैमित्तिकं काम्यं त्रिविधं दानमुच्यते । चतुर्थं विमलं प्रोक्तं सर्वदानोत्तमोत्तमम् ।। २६.४ (Kurm. Pura. Uttar. 26.4) <ref>Kurma Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A1%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%BD%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Uttara Bhaga Adhyaya 26])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>nityaṁ naimittikaṁ kāmyaṁ trividhaṁ dānamucyatē । caturthaṁ vimalaṁ prōktaṁ sarvadānōttamōttamam ।। 26.4</blockquote>

* Nitya (नित्यम्) : When dana is made daily to Brahmins without any expectation of services or return, it is known as nitya dana. The benefits of such dana are eternal.

* Nitya (नित्यम्) : When dana is made daily to Brahmins without any expectation of services or return, it is known as nitya dana. The benefits of such dana are eternal.